Introduction
Two significant executive orders by United States President Donald Trump highlight a shift in global leadership on critical issues such as climate change and health. These orders involve the withdrawal from the 2015 Paris Agreement and leaving the World Health Organization (WHO), both reflective of the "America First" agenda.
Withdrawal from the Paris Agreement
- The Paris Agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention seeks to combat climate change.
- Trump’s initial withdrawal attempt was stalled by a four-year requirement, allowing Joe Biden to rejoin later on.
- The current withdrawal only requires a one-year process.
- The "Putting America First in International Environmental Agreements" order restricts U.S. contributions to global climate initiatives.
- The U.S. International Climate Finance Plan, vital for supporting developing countries with climate challenges, was scrapped.
- Investment banks pre-emptively withdrew from green funds, anticipating reduced funding.
- "Unleashing American Energy" focuses on fossil fuels, challenging the U.S. emissions reduction target of 61-66% below 2005 levels by 2035.
Impact on Climate Change
The U.S. is the world's second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, and its historical responsibility makes its withdrawal particularly concerning amid record-high global temperatures.
Withdrawal from the WHO
- The withdrawal involves suspending U.S. dues, threatening funding for global health research and disease prevention programs.
- The U.S. was the largest funder, supporting areas like vaccine development and child health in poorer nations.
- The move risks cutting the U.S. from global disease information, including new influenza strains.
Impact and Criticism
The withdrawal from WHO may prompt China to extend its role, as seen when it pledged $30 million during the pandemic after the U.S. halted its funding. This raises questions about U.S. moral leadership in favor of China’s growing influence.
Conclusion
While criticism of WHO’s need for reform is acknowledged, the U.S. withdrawal may not serve global interests, potentially signaling a shift in leadership dynamics towards more authoritarian regimes.
